Obituaries

Martha Kate (Franklin) Noble

Martha Kate (Franklin) Noble, endearingly known to friends and family as "The Little One", "Kate Bug", and "Momma Domma" passed away peacefully on October 24, 2020 at NPMC. Kate was born on January 12, 1936 in Star City, Arkansas, the daughter of Frank Hundley Franklin and Maude (Tucker) Franklin of Hamburg Arkansas. She grew up in Hamburg, and graduated in 1953 with honors. She played in the band and managed sports teams. She also played music for the Methodist Church. At Arkansas A&M in Monticello she worked for KHBM radio as program director, and had a talk show. Moving in 1956 to Pine Bluff, she worked in advertising for Sears. She volunteered at Edgewood School for the PTA and Cub Scouts. Always excited to move, she lived in Atlanta, Monticello, Pine Bluff, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Chicago, Dallas and Kansas City. For her business career of 32 years, she was Office Manager and Regional Sales Manager for World Book-Childcraft. She enjoyed many trips to Canada, Hawaii, Mexico and all the Caribbean, before retiring in the Lake Hamilton area of Hot Springs, where during the "Summer of ‘72" she taught 17 kids to waterski, although she could not swim nor ski. Years later, she enjoyed driving her barge with a group of gal-pals called the "T.N.T.'s". They all wore tiaras on the barge. She was independent, and had no fear. Her favorite hobby was "Big Time" shopping with her granddaughters. Kate loved her two children, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, friends and Siamese cats. Her body has left all who knew her, but her legacy remains. From Oaklawn to the Razorbacks and creating generations of family memories, Mother Kate's spark for life will be forever felt. She would take you on a walk down memory lane or a climb up North Mountain. She shared kitchen table stories and traditions, and would leave everyone laughing, always keeping the joy of family at the center of her life. Kate is survived by husband Leslie Carrol Noble, son Mark Allen Noble and wife Patty of Sherman, Texas, daughter Jane Ann and husband Captain Lorne Martin of Bellingham, Washington. Also survived by grandchildren Amber (Noble) Byrd and husband Sean of Atlanta, Georgia, Caroline Martin of Portland, Oregon, and Captain Spencer Martin of Ashland, Oregon, great-granddaughters Reagan Noble-Pruitt of Atlanta and Presley Bryson of McKinney. She is also survived by sister Jane and husband John Hunter Buatt of Bastrop, Louisiana, niece Natalie Poche' and husband Jimmy of Youngsville, Louisiana, nephew Hunter Buatt and wife Cathy of Collierville, Tennessee, as well as three grandnieces and one grandnephew. A special appreciation to Myra Young for four dedicated years of caregiving and love, and to the Kindred Hospice Care Team. Should you choose, a memorial could be sent to Trinity Church Hot Springs, your local church or Humane Society. Cremation care by Davis-Smith Funeral Home. A celebration of Kate's life will be held in 2021 on Lake Hamilton. Cremation care was provided by Davis-Smith Funeral Home. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.

Published November 1, 2020

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